Apogee Strong

What happens when a 24-year-old suddenly becomes the guardian of five siblings—while battling poverty, navigating systemic barriers, and confronting the complexities of the foster care system? Dr. Danisha Keating’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and purpose. A former foster youth who stepped into a life-changing responsibility, she defied the odds by continuing her education, breaking cycles of trauma, and emerging as a powerful voice for healing and transformation.Now holding a PhD, Dr. Keating uses her lived experience to advocate for foster youth, struggling families, and anyone seeking to rise above their circumstances. From homelessness to higher education, she’s turned her pain into purpose—empowering others through her books, speaking, and mentoring. Her story is more than survival; it’s a roadmap to redemption, showing that with faith, support, and unwavering resolve, your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.Quotes:• "Your story doesn't define who you are. It impacts you, but it doesn't have to be the thing that makes you stop moving forward." - Dr. Danisha Keating• "I wanted to be the foundation my siblings could stand on. My job is to go so far that my foundation for where my kids stand is at a higher level if they choose to go." - Dr. Danisha Keating• "The only thing I can teach my kid is to be a good human and to love Jesus. Everything else is secondary." - Dr. Danisha KeatingKey Takeaways:• Breaking generational cycles is possible through intentional healing and personal development• Small acts of kindness can significantly impact families facing hardship• Support systems are crucial for individuals navigating difficult life circumstancesConclusion:In a world that often defines us by our struggles, Dr. Danisha Keating is living proof that resilience and purpose can rise from even the most difficult beginnings. From foster care to becoming a guardian, scholar, and advocate, her journey shows that our past does not define our future.Dr. Keating’s story is a beacon of hope—a reminder that healing is possible through community, faith, and determination. Her message challenges us to choose growth, compassion, and joy despite life’s hardships, and to lead with empathy, not perfection. Her final word is powerful: You are not defined by what happened to you, but by how you choose to move forward.

Are you tired of feeling stuck, unmotivated, and disconnected from your potential? In a culture that undermines masculine identity, purpose, and sovereignty — how do young men reclaim their strength and step into real leadership? Meet Nicky Billou — the "Freedom Man." An entrepreneur, speaker, and champion of male empowerment, Nicky brings fire and clarity to a world in need of both. Born in Iran and raised by courageous Christian parents who fled tyranny, his life is a testament to resilience, freedom, and legacy. With deep experience in business, media, and mentorship, Nicky doesn’t just talk success — he lives it. His approach is shaped by the powerful example of his father, a man who led with generosity, integrity, and bold conviction. If you’re ready to rise above mediocrity and live with purpose, this episode is your wake-up call.Quotes:• "Your purpose isn't something out there outside of you that you go discover and go, 'Oh, that's my purpose.' Your purpose is something you choose from deep within." - Nicky Billou• "If you want to be the best man you can be, the man you've always wanted to be, you've got to discover your purpose." - Nicky Billou• "If you can align your identity with the things that need to be done as a man, as a young man, this is just who you are, and there is no room for compromise." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:• Freedom Is a Core Human Drive Nicky believes that every person—especially men—deeply craves freedom: the ability to chart their own course, speak truth, and live with purpose. His mission is to help others reclaim it.• Masculinity Must Be Modeled and ChallengedYoung men need masculine-only spaces, challenge, and accountability. Without those, they drift. Nicky emphasizes that growth comes through discomfort, purpose, and strong male mentorship.• Legacy Begins at HomeNicky’s greatest influence was his father—a principled businessman who led with generosity, helped others selflessly, and taught that sales, business, and leadership are acts of love and service.Conclusion:In a time when truth is blurred, masculinity is questioned, and purpose feels out of reach for many young men, Nicky Billou offers a clear and empowering message: freedom, leadership, and success start with personal responsibility, strong values, and a commitment to becoming who you were meant to be. This episode is more than a conversation—it's a call to action for men to rise, lead with conviction, and live with intentionality in every area of life.

In a world where many doubt true transformation is possible, Ron Adkins’ story proves otherwise in the most dramatic way. Once known as one of the most violent inmates in the prison system—serving nearly 600 years in sentences and spending 13 years in solitary confinement—Ron’s life took a radical turn. Through a powerful spiritual awakening and a redefinition of his identity, he transformed from a feared gang member into a beacon of redemption and hope.This episode isn’t just inspirational—it’s a deep dive into the power of human potential. Ron shares how he broke free not just from physical restraints, but from the mental and emotional chains of his past. His story reveals the true nature of courage, the importance of identity in personal change, and how even the darkest chapters can become the foundation for a life of purpose and service.Key Quotes:• "Bravery is not being unafraid. It's doing it even though you're afraid, doing it while you're afraid." - Ron Adkins• "Everything God does is redemptive. He's the Redeemer." - Ron Adkins• "Writing is thinking. When you're writing, you're putting your thoughts down to paper, you're really digging down and really organizing your thoughts." - Ron Adkins• "It's continuously asking ourselves that as our knowledge grows."- Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:• Examine your personal identity - who are you telling yourself you are, and is that story limiting your potential?• Practice courage by doing things that scare you, understanding that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but action despite fear• Seek out mentors and spiritual guidance who can help you see your inherent value• Regularly reflect on your life story, looking for moments of divine intervention or unexpected grace• Start writing - use writing as a tool for thinking, processing, and understanding your personal journeyConclusion:Ron Adkins' story is living proof that transformation is always possible. Once facing 599 years in prison, he’s now a voice of hope and redemption, showing that identity is a choice, not a life sentence. His journey reminds us that courage means acting despite fear, and that with faith, any path can be redirected. Ron’s message isn’t just about his past—it’s a call to believe in your own power to change. Learn more at RadicalRestorationMinistries.com.

In this dynamic and insightful conversation, Matt Beaudreau sits down with Kaylor Betts, a transformative speaker and personal development expert who shares his profound journey from a victim mentality to becoming a responsible, purpose-driven leader. The episode delves deep into masculine leadership, personal growth, emotional resilience, and the critical importance of taking action over merely reflecting on life's challenges.Kaylor Betts is a no-BS life and business coach, truth-teller, and host of the top 1% podcast Awake & Winning. He’s built a movement by challenging the status quo and helping people break free from the systems, beliefs, and habits that keep them stuck. Once trapped by illness, burnout, and financial struggle, Kaylor rebuilt his life from the ground up. Now, he’s on a mission to help others reclaim their power, take radical responsibility, and create freedom in body, mind, and business. His journey is marked by a pivotal decision to stop playing the victim and start taking radical responsibility for his life. In this episode, listeners will be treated to Kaylor's unfiltered insights on overcoming obstacles, the importance of masculine leadership, and the transformative power of choosing action over complacency. Key Quotes:• "The purpose of life is to find your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away." - Kaylor Betts • "Life's way too important to take so seriously." - Kaylor Betts • "Just because your feelings are valid, it doesn't mean they should dictate your behavior." - Kaylor Betts • "Eventually, what you have to understand is when you put the quote, unquote, mask on for so long... at some point you come to realize it's no longer a mask." - Matt Beaudreau Key Takeaways:• Men heal through action, not just reflection• Embrace imperfection and prioritize speed over perfection• Develop resilience by facing fears and taking responsibility• Authenticity is about consciously choosing who you want to be• Masculine leadership involves providing safety, protection, and directionConclusion:Kaylor Betts wraps up the episode with a powerful message about personal responsibility and societal transformation. He emphasizes the critical need for men to break free from mediocrity, take ownership of their lives, and make a meaningful impact. The conversation concludes with a call to action: share inspiring content, support each other's growth, and commit to continuous personal development. Kaylor's core message resonates: heal your own wounds and help others do the same. Matt Beaudreau and Kaylor celebrate the courage it takes to be vulnerable, learn, and evolve. Their discussion serves as a roadmap for men seeking authentic leadership, personal growth, and purpose. Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekaylorbetts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekaylorbetts The LIFE AW-cademy: https://theawlife.com/ The BIZ AW-cademy: https://theawbiz.com/ The POD-cademy: https://awakeandwinning.lpages.co/yourwinningpodcast/ Website: https://www.awakeandwinning.com Apple Podcasts: The Awake & Winning Podcast on Apple Podcasts Spotify: The Awake & Winning Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Are you struggling to find purpose after life's most devastating challenges? What if losing everything could be the catalyst for your greatest transformation? In a world that often breaks us, how do we not just survive, but emerge stronger, more resilient, and more authentically ourselves?Meet Daryl Calfee - a remarkable storyteller, artist, and resilience architect who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful narrative of hope, growth, and reinvention. From a farm in West Virginia to becoming a creative professional and now a home developer, Daryl embodies the art of turning life's most challenging moments into opportunities for profound personal evolution.Quotes:"When you wake up, you were the only one that was concerned about your happiness." - Daryl Calfee"If you're curious, you'll find that your empathy grows. You'll find that your connection grows." - Daryl Calfee"The hardest time to do the right thing is when everything in the world is telling you not to." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:Embrace Your Unique Interests: Even if your passion seems unconventional, lean into what makes you different - it might become your greatest strength.Practice Radical Gratitude: Transform challenges by focusing on what you're thankful for, not what you've lost.Give Yourself Permission to Evolve: You are not defined by your past or current circumstances. Allow yourself to become the next version of yourself.Build Resilience Through Curiosity: Approach life's challenges with an open, curious mindset that seeks to understand and grow.Conclusion:In the face of life's most devastating challenges, Daryl Calfee demonstrates that our greatest strength lies not in avoiding pain, but in our capacity to transform it into a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and personal reinvention. His journey reveals that every setback is an opportunity to redesign ourselves, to lean into our unique passions, and to emerge not just surviving, but authentically thriving. Through storytelling, art, and unwavering gratitude, Daryl shows us that the most profound leadership begins with the courage to embrace our own vulnerability and continuously evolve.

Are you tired of feeling stuck, afraid to take risks, or letting fear hold you back from your true potential? What if you could transform your failures into stepping stones of success? In a world where social media masks reality and young women struggle with confidence, how do you find the courage to be authentically you?Meet Cary Williams - a powerhouse entrepreneur, Olympic-level boxing coach, and founder of Tussle Gear, who has rebuilt her life multiple times and turned challenges into opportunities. With 27 years in the boxing world and a journey marked by resilience, Cary is uniquely qualified to guide young women through life's toughest battles - both inside and outside the ring.Quotes:"We're not successful in every single thing that we do, and when we are successful, it's because we have probably failed before doing that." - Cary Williams"Confidence comes from what are your alkalines? What have you accomplished? It wasn't because of how I looked. It was because of what I did and what I accomplished." - Cary Williams"Whatever you perceive to be is going to be reality, and it's going to be the reality for everybody else who is looking at you and engaging with you." - Cary WilliamsKey Takeaways:Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, not a final destinationBuild confidence through consistent action and self-careDevelop mental resilience by focusing on what you can controlCreate your own path, regardless of external expectationsConclusion:Cary Williams delivers a powerful message of resilience and personal transformation that cuts through the noise of self-doubt and societal expectations. Her journey from boxer to entrepreneur illustrates that success is not about perfection, but about the courage to keep moving forward after each setback. Through her experiences, Cary proves that it's never too late to rebuild, reinvent, and rise stronger than before.

What does it take to risk everything—your business, reputation, and safety—for what you believe in? In a world where silence often feels safer than standing out, how far would you go to protect your principles? Would you risk your career, your comfort, or even your children's future to speak truth in a time of confusion? If you've ever felt the inner war between playing it safe and doing what's right, this episode will shake you awake.Today’s guest is Lindsey Graham—no, not the senator. We’re talking about the bold, unstoppable Patriot Barbie. Lindsey is a fearless entrepreneur, speaker, mother, and unapologetic advocate for faith, family, and freedom. She refused to be canceled when cancel culture came knocking. After losing her salon business and nearly everything in Oregon for defying lockdown orders in 2020, she didn’t back down—she rebuilt from the ashes with a renewed fire and bigger mission. With her fashion brand Pretty Little Patriot, her nationwide Melaleuca network of over 300 women, and a platform rooted in biblical values and conviction, Lindsey isn’t just talking the talk—she’s living it out loud. Her story is raw, resilient, and rooted in truth. This episode is not about playing politics—it’s about playing for legacy.Quotes:• "I don’t want to get canceled again. But more than that—I want everything I build to glorify God and reflect my convictions.” - Lindsey Graham• “Courage isn’t about not having fear. It’s about doing the right thing while you're shaking.” - Lindsey Graham• “If you call me a racist and I know I’m not one, why should I care? You don’t get to define me—God does.” - Lindsey Graham• “I didn’t open my business because I wanted to be a hero. I opened it because I had three kids to feed—and that made me brave.” - Lindsey Graham• “I would rather my kids be ‘uneducated’ and get to heaven than be indoctrinated and lost in this world.” - Lindsey Graham• “Doing the right thing is always the right thing, including when it's really, really scary to do it, because that's the hardest time to actually do the right thing." - Matt BeaudreauKey Takeaways:• Use your voice—even if it’s shaking. Don’t wait for a crisis to stand up. Speak up now for your values, especially when it's uncomfortable.• Faith gets real in the fire. Lindsey’s relationship with God deepened after losing everything. When comfort disappears, conviction gets tested.• Family leadership starts with example. Your kids are watching how you respond to adversity. Model bravery, humility, and unapologetic truth.• Conviction > Convenience. Make decisions that align with your faith and principles, even when it costs you popularity, money, or approval.Conclusion:Lindsey Graham reminds us that being bold isn't about having no fear—it's about trusting that standing for truth is always worth the risk. Her journey from salon owner in Oregon to Patriot Barbie powerhouse in Texas is a blueprint for courageous living in a time of cultural confusion. If you’ve been waiting for permission to be loud about what matters—this is it.

When boys grow up without strong examples of what it means to be a man, they’re often left guessing their way through life. They chase validation in all the wrong places—status, substances, shallow wins—while quietly feeling like something is missing. Without guidance or real milestones to mark their growth, they drift, unsure of when or how they become “men.” It’s not just a personal loss, it ripples through families, relationships, and communities, creating cycles that are hard to break.Dan Smith, once a police officer and FBI agent, now runs Voyage Rites—a program helping fathers guide their sons through meaningful rites of passage. Homeschooled with his twin brother, Dan knows firsthand the struggles of building confidence without structure. His mission is simple: give young men clear, intentional milestones as they grow. He speaks about balancing intense careers with family life and why these father-son connections matter more than ever. His focus now is on creating moments that shape character, not just outcomes. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “I was working to live, not living to work. Experiencing that was eye-opening for me, as it made me realize what truly mattered in my life—my family.” – Dan Smith“There are people in your neighborhood, community, and church who may be living through the worst day of their life—and this happens every single day.” – Dan Smith“The masculine journey is a continuous process of growth—it’s something that never truly ends.” – Dan Smith“Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind. Great actions speak to all mankind.” – Matt BeaudreauTakeaways:Schedule a dedicated time to write a heartfelt, handwritten letter to your son about what you see in him and your hopes for his future.Seek out a ride-along or shadowing opportunity in a field you're interested in to gain real-world insight beyond classroom learning.Identify one area where you're not being fully present with your family and create a specific plan to change that behavior.Plan a meaningful rite of passage experience with your son that challenges him and marks his transition into manhood.Reach out to a mentor or community leader who can provide guidance in an area where you want to grow personally or professionally.Conclusion:It’s critical to have clear rites of passage for young men, especially since modern society has lost many of the traditional ways of guiding boys into adulthood. Intentional mentorship, strong father-son relationships, and structured experiences play a significant role in shaping young men’s growth. There is a pressing need to restore meaningful cultural practices that can help young men navigate key life stages. By doing so, we can raise more purposeful, responsible, and emotionally intelligent individuals who contribute positively to society.

Cary Williams' journey is a true testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. She’s not just an entrepreneur and the founder of Tussle Gear—she’s someone who has weathered the highs and lows of life and learned the most valuable lessons during the most challenging times. For Cary, success isn’t just about hitting milestones—it’s about how you rise when things go wrong, how you keep moving forward no matter the hurdles in your path.A pivotal moment from Cary’s childhood shaped who she is today. At just eight years old, she wanted to walk to the store alone but was terrified of a group of girls in her neighborhood who often picked on her. Instead of stepping in to protect her, her dad handed her a stick and told her, “You’ve got this. Take control.” Though it seemed simple at the time, this small but powerful gesture taught Cary that facing her fears was a decision she had to make herself. It was the beginning of her journey toward independence and strength, a foundation that would carry her through life’s challenges.Quotes:● "The only way through fear is to face it head-on." – Cary Williams● "It’s not about waiting for things to get easier, it’s about deciding you’re going to keep going, no matter what." – Cary Williams● "I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of something new." – Cary WilliamsTakeaways:● Fear doesn’t go away on its own. The only way through it is to face it and keep moving forward.● Life’s challenges don’t define you. It’s your response to them that shapes who you become.● There’s power in failure—it’s where you learn the most and find your true strength.Conclusion: Cary’s story teaches us that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how we respond to it. By facing fears, overcoming setbacks, and continuing to push forward, we can take control of our lives and create something meaningful. Cary’s journey shows that no matter what life throws at you, you have the strength to rise, rebuild, and make the life you want. With courage and determination, we can all rewrite our stories.

Some people carry the weight of their past like an anchor, while others use it as fuel. It’s wild how a single comment, a single failure, can echo for years—shaping the way you see yourself, even if it was never true to begin with. But then there are those moments when everything snaps into focus, and instead of running from the pain, you turn and face it. That’s when things start to shift. Sometimes the very thing you thought would break you is what ends up unlocking everything.Stephen Scoggins went from sleeping in a car to running a nine-figure business, but his real story is about identity—not income. He shares how breaking free from limiting beliefs and rewriting internal narratives changed everything. Instead of chasing success for validation, he started building from purpose and integrity. His message is clear: your past doesn’t define your future—your choices do. Growth starts the moment you stop pretending and decide to own who you really are. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!Quotes: “Your identity is simply an evolution of your choices. Consistently choosing the healthy version of yourself will consistently shape a healthy version of your identity.” – Stephen Scoggins“I believe every person on this planet has a unique calling—something only they can do or share in a way that is uniquely theirs.” – Stephen Scoggins“There is no such thing as failure. You either win or you learn, and if you learn, it's going to take you towards winning.” – Stephen ScogginsTakeaways:Write down the top 5 skills you're naturally good at, then research industries or careers that match those strengths.Start each morning with 30 minutes of gratitude, prayer, and self-reflection - create a personal mantra that reinforces your worth.Challenge the limiting beliefs spoken over you by identifying lies you've internalized and replacing them with empowering truths about your potential.Practice viewing "failures" as learning opportunities by objectively documenting lessons from setbacks and using them to improve future choices.Choose one personal development area each week to focus on deeply, seeking mentors or resources that can help you grow in that specific domain.Conclusion:Success often has less to do with outside conditions and more to do with how someone chooses to respond to them. Those who stay open to learning, ask for guidance, and keep building a clear sense of who they are, tend to move forward, even through setbacks. It's not about avoiding failure but growing through it. Over time, this mindset shapes both confidence and results. Real progress starts with deciding to keep going, no matter what.